Thomas Erdos is back from the official Le Mans test with mixed emotions; delighted to have experienced the sweeping Porsche Curves in an open prototype, but aware that time in the car was curtailed by an engine problem.

The RML MG Lola, is the last of the original works cars still to be competing in its original configuration, complete with AER two-litre turbocharged powerplant. New to 2004, however, is an alteration to the ACO regulations that means the car now runs head-to-head against the LMP1 category prototypes. No longer enjoying the benefits of the defunct LMP675 class, the MG Lola must now compete directly with the likes of Audi’s all-conquering R8, and it was against this kind of standard that RML’s performance last weekend would be judged.

In November last year the team contested the Le Mans 1000 kilometres race on the short Bugatti circuit. Last Sunday morning, however, Thomas Erdos was the first of RML’s three drivers to head out onto the full Le Mans track, all 13.6kms, and the initial run went exceptionally well. “It was really good,” said an encouraged Brazilian after setting a best of 3 minutes 44.047 seconds.Aside from some slight play in the steering, the MG behaved impeccably. “We were running full tanks on scrubbed racing tyres, and the track was very dusty,” he added. “That put us P6, and the fastest of all the cars using Dunlop tyres, even the Domes.”